2019 Spring Forum - March 7th & 8th - Portland, OR

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IRWA Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of the International Right of Way Association, with nearly 300 active members, serves professionals throughout Western Washington. The chapter holds local monthly meetings September through May, IRWA education classes as scheduled and other events for the membership. Please contact a local chapter board member or attend a monthly meeting to find out more about what IRWA Chapter 4 can do for you!

President’s Message

Happy New Year! Although the days are now getting longer, my term as Chapter President is getting shorter. Last year I shared my goals at the June Installation. With just over six months into the fiscal year, I want to share some of the objectives met since July 1st:·Recruited and appointed new members into Chapter Leadership (Melinda Burkhart NESA Chair; Michele Pescador Membership Chair; Shawn Greninger and Andrew Sorba, Golf Chairs; Dianna Nausley McKeon, Secretary; Jenifer Olsen, Registration, and Michelle Rude, Website)·Organized and coordinated Chapter 4 planning session to goals and objectives for the year (8/4/18)·Increased communication through monthly President’s messages (7) to provide important information about Chapter, Region (see latest from Region 7), and International business and events·Developed and monitored Chapter 4 2018-19 fiscal year approved operating budget·Reviewed and updated Chapter 4 position descriptions (approved 10/4/18)·Reviewed Chapter 4 bylaws·Reviewed chapter 4 travel and advertising policies·Verified uploads and reviewed QuickBooks to receive 1st and 2nd quarter financial incentives from HQ·Attended International Directors Conference Call (10/11/18)·Attended Region 7 Education Conference Call (10/18/18)·Attended Region 7 Fall Forum in Spokane (10/27/18)·Provided nominations for International awards (Employer of the year and Region Professional of the Year)·Planned Chapter 4 Installation & Awards Event (6/5/19)

…and my work is not finished, as there is still lots left to do before the end of June:·Provide nominations for International awards (Chapter of the Year and Website of the Year)·Continue to maintain Chapter operations within approved annual budget·Continue with monthly (5) President’s Messages·Attend Region 7 Education Conference Call (1/22/19)·Attend Region 7 Spring Forum in Portland (3/8/19)·Attend International Directors Conference Call (TBD)·Certify Chapter 4 International Board of Directors Credentials (after 5/8/19 Chapter Elections)·Organize and coordinate Chapter Installation & Awards Event (6/5/19)·Attend International Education Conference in Portland (6/7-12/19)·Verify uploads and review QuickBooks to receive 3rd and 4th quarter financial incentives from HQ·Transition duties to incoming Chapter President

January MeetingProgram: Our January Chapter meeting brought us back to the Bellevue Red Lion where a gathering of 24 members enjoyed an Italian buffet lunch. Our scheduled guest speaker had an unexpected emergency and Faith Roland, SR/WA of Contract Land Staff, LLC graciously stepped in at the last minute to discuss the “shalls” and “mays” of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally-Assisted Programs.

NESA: Melinda Burkhart, Committee Chair needs nominations for Chapter awards for Instructor, Project, Employer and Professional of the Year. Project of the Year nominations are due soon, and will be presented at the March Chapter lunch meeting in Bellevue. All other awards will be presented at the June Installation and Awards Event on June 5th, which is currently planned to be held on a charter boat in Seattle with food and beverages included. Save the date and stay tuned for more information.

Membership:As of the end of December, we have 288 members in Chapter 4, and approved seven more new members at the Board meeting last week. Since then, there have been three more new members referred for approval at next month’s Board meeting. At this rate it appears we could be in the running for another growth award in 2019. Speaking of awards… Michele Pescador, Membership Chair drew the winning name for the free membership incentive. Congratulations to the winner, Leslie Beaird of Tierra Right of Way!

Golf:Our new Golf Committee Chair, Andrew Sorba of Appraisal Group NW, has booked the 2019 golf tournament for Friday, July 19th, at Redmond Ridge. He is getting an early start so it should be great. Save the date!

Communications:Julie Aune, Communications Committee Chair, has recruited a committee member to handle website updates. Welcome to the team Michelle Rude, HDR! Michelle will be working to restore information to our new website. She hopes to get it done soon so Chapter 4 can have a chance for a nomination for Website of the Year!

Young Professionals:We have another member who has joined the Chapter 4/Region 7 YP ground, and that is Thomas Loranz with Yakima County!

Education:Karen Wright, as been doing this job so long it seems to run like a well oiled machine. I think I surprised her when I shared that our Chapter Education program has provided net income of approximately $10,000 annually for the past four consecutive years. For all the work Karen has done for the Chapter and local charities, she is being nominated by the Chapter for Region 7 Professional of the Year. Good luck Karen. Please let Karen know if you have educational needs or are interested in becoming a course coordinator.

Professional Development:Melanie Rabaglia, PD Committee Chair, has been busy reviewing certification requirements for many members old and new. As a 40/40 scholar, I was excited to find that I am only one course away from completing my SR/WA coursework! Thank you RWIEF for this great opportunity.

Ongoing Business:·Dee Oakland has shared a list of concerns (copy attached) from the Region 7 Fall Forum to present at the IEC/IGC meeting on 1/24/19.·Chapter 4 photographer needed, please contact me if you are interested.·Chapter 3 is in need of volunteers for the IRWA Educational conference in Portland in June. Please contact Kent Melton (kent.melton@contractlandstaff.com) if you are interested in helping.·REMINDER - International Awardsnomination deadline is February 1, 2019. Any IRWA member can nominate any IRWA member for any of these IRWA awards. As Krista Chambers, Region 7 INEC Representative stated at last week’s meeting, Chapter 4 has a lot of amazing and talented members who deserve to be recognized for their work. Please take the time to acknowledge them through a nomination for an International or Chapter award.

I look forward to seeing you all next year for lunch on February 13th, 2019 at MNGD in Downtown Seattle for our next Chapter meeting. The Executive Board meeting will be from 10-11:30 AM. Please be sure to register on line or by emailingjenifer.olsen@contractlandstaff.com by midnight on January 8th.

Respectfully,

Dawn Fletcher, President IRWA Puget Sound Chapter 4

Education

To see the 2018 course schedule go here or look on side bar and calendar to see schedule.

WOULD YOUR AGENCY LIKE TO VOLUNTEER SPACE TO HOLD A CLASS? CONTACT: KAREN WRIGHT.

Membership Meetings

IRWA Chapter 4 holds monthly membership meetings on the second Wednesday of the month. The meetings include excellent guest speakers discussing timely topics. Non members are encouraged to attend as the meetings are a perfect networking opportunity for all. Keep an eye on the website for the next meeting. We hope to see you there!